First Women's Bank

First Women's Bank recognizes the impact non-profit organizations make everyday. We especially appreciate the plethora of non-profits that support the bank. This sector helps us extend our reach and deepen our mission across the country. On #GivingTuesday, we encourage all to support a non-profit organization. Together, we can make an impact. Member FDIC

First Women's Bank is dedicated to fostering the growth and success of small businesses. Everyday. But especially today, #SmallBusinessSaturday. When you shop small, you have big impact. And what better day to support the small businesses in your community than shopping local. If you are in the Chicagoland area, we would like to suggest stopping by and supporting two incredible women-owned small businesses: -If in Chicago, First Women's Bank invites you to visit Kate Vrijmoet’s, necessary and sufficient coffee shop with two convenient locations in Chicago. The Logan Square shop (3624 W Wrightwood) has a convenient pick-up window to keep you going. Or take a break with a latte and quiche slice while you enjoy the custom artwork at the Printers Row (728 S Dearborn St) store. -In the southwest suburbs? We recommend grabbing a delicious smoothie at Tropical Smooth Cafe (7784 S Cicero) in Burbank, IL. Franchise owner Ruth Miller and team will blend you the perfect treat. Member FDIC

Meet our Lending Team! At First Women’s Bank, our SBA loan experts specialize in helping businesses grow with financing options tailored to your needs. From launching your dream business to expanding operations, we're here to guide you through every step. Gabe Beukinga, Head of Commercial Lending, has been recognized as a top SBA lender in the country for the last decade. He has helped over 700 small businesses achieve growth and economic development. Through his tireless advocacy, he has helped provide over $1bn in capital to small business owners. He is a financial services executive and economic development expert who is dedicated to shaping an environment where small business owners and the community he serves can find opportunity and growth. Sarita Vora, SVP, Business Development Officer, has just under 2 decades of SBA lending experience. In addition to SBA Lending, she also has USDA lending experience. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, she has a passion for empowering small business owners. She is committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate the lending process, ensuring they are prepared - whether they are ready to secure funding now or laying the groundwork for future opportunities. Ryan Russell, SVP, Business Development Officer and seasoned expert in SBA lending. Ryan has over 20 years of experience helping small businesses secure the financing they need to thrive. With a deep understanding of SBA programs and a genuine passion for seeing businesses succeed, Ryan has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor who goes above and beyond to support his clients’ goals. Jonathan C. Thrasher, SVP, Business Development Officer, has 30 years of Banking experience including 20 years of SBA lending with 10 years of commercial and business banking. His passion is small business advocacy to grow business, strengthen communities, and create generational wealth. Claudio Montoya, SVP, Business Development Officer, is a leader in the SBA franchise lending industry and brings more than two decades of banking experience. Claudio is passionate about helping his clients achieve their goals and is a strong advocate for building a more inclusive small business economy. Kristin D., VP, Business Development Officer, is a rising star in the SBA industry and for nearly ten years has helped hundreds of small businesses obtain SBA financing and realize their dreams. Kristin works tirelessly to build strong relationships with her clients, providing support and guidance throughout the process. #MeetTheTeam #FWBLending #SBALoans #WomenOwnedBusiness FirstWomens.Bank Member - FDIC

We’re excited to share that First Women’s Bank won a 23rd Annual Chicago Innovation Award last night! This recognition reflects our ongoing efforts to strengthen the women’s economy and close the gender lending gap. We are deeply grateful to the team at Chicago Innovation—moments like these are crucial to advancing our mission. We also want to extend a special thank you to our Mission Partners— Aon, William Blair, and TransUnion—for joining us in celebration. Your partnership and support are integral to our progress, and we couldn’t do this important work without you. The power of community and collaboration is at the heart of everything we do! #ChicagoInnovationAwards #FirstWomensBank #WomensEconomy #BanklikeaFinancialFeminist FirstWomens.Bank - Member FDIC

The First Women’s Bank team had an eventful fall attending, sponsoring, and speaking at events promoting the women’s economy and working to close the gender lending gap! Our team was in action at: SACC-USA (Swedish-American Chambers of Commerce) Panel Clinton Global Initiative IFF (CDFI) & First Women's Bank Nonprofit Women Leadership Event Impact Engine Midwest House Impact Investing Panel Sponsored Let's Talk Womxn & Harvard Business School Women's Business Association Dinner First Women's Bank Anniverisary Dinner & Team Retreat Margaretsvillage _ Gala YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago Recognition Dinner Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Expo Chicago Latino Network (CLN) Awards UnGala We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect and collaborate with partners who share our mission. #WomensEconomy #WomenInBusiness #ClosingTheGap #FWBCommunity FirstWomens.Bank Member - FDIC

In celebration of Women’s Small Business Month, we’re highlighting our client, Alford Group, and the impact they’ve made since 1979 by supporting nonprofits across the U.S., with a strong focus on promoting DEI within the sector. Led by President & CEO Brenda Asare, Alford Group continues to drive meaningful change in the nonprofit world with a mission-first mindset. When Brenda sought a banking partner, she found inspiration in First Women’s Bank’s commitment to empowering women-owned and women-led organizations. We’re proud to support Alford Group’s journey and to stand behind their vision of transformative change. FirstWomens.bank - Member FDIC #WomensSmallBusinessMonth #CommunityImpact #FirstWomensBank

Debit Card Safety Reminders from First Women’s Bank: 1. Keep Your Card Secure: Always know where your card is and never share your PIN. 2. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your transactions for any unauthorized charges. 3. Be Cautious Online: Use trusted websites and avoid public Wi-Fi when making purchases. 4. Report Lost or Stolen Cards Immediately: Contact us right away if your card goes missing. Stay vigilant and bank confidently with First Women’s Bank. 💳 FirstWomens.Bank - Member FDIC #BankingSafety #FirstWomensBank #StaySecure #ConsumerAwareness #DebitCardSafety

Last month the FWB team attended the 2024 Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting and launched our (CGI) Commitment to Action. The FWB Collective, targeted to go live in 2025, will be an online resource hub that aggregates best-in-class resources to help women create, build, and scale their businesses. The FWB Collective will be a pivotal piece to help move forward First Women’s Bank’s mission of closing the gender lending gap and supporting women on their entrepreneurship journey. Along with our Commitment to Action, Marianne Markowitz, CEO of FWB, spoke on a panel: Closing the Financial Access Gap for Women, alongside Olivia Sterns Walton, Founder and CEO, Ingeborg Investments and Chrystel Cornelius, President & CEO, Oweesta Corporation. The informative session was moderated by Stephanie Ruhle of MSNBC.

Our FWB team from across the country just wrapped up an incredible annual meeting in Chicago, filled with excitement and inspiration! We aligned on our strategic priorities for 2025 and celebrated three years of making a real difference for women-owned businesses. We're incredibly proud of our dedicated team and the work they do every day to help close the gender lending gap in America. Let's keep the momentum going! Follow us for updates and join the movement! Open an account today at FirstWomens.bank (Member FDIC). #FirstWomensBank #BreakingBarriers #EmpoweringWomen

Last week, the FWB team partnered with IFF to host an engaging event featuring Karen Freeman-Wilson, President & CEO of the Chicago Urban League, and Monique B. Jones, LCSW, President & CEO of Forefront. Held in the beautifully curated Good Chaos space, the session brought together some of the top minds from Chicago's non-profit community to discuss navigating the evolving financial and political landscape. A heartfelt thank you to Melissa Widen of FWB and O. Victoria("Vickie") Lakes-Battle of IFF for moderating the discussions, and to Christy Overgard MacLear, and the Good Chaos team for being exceptional hosts and FWB Mission Partners.